Bees appear resigned to losing Gray as Hull prepare third bid

Mike Simmonds

Brentford appear resigned to losing former Luton Town striker Andre Gray to fellow Championship side Hull City this week.

The 24-year-old who scored 57 goals in 111 games for the Hatters before his move to Griffin Park, has seen the Bees already reject two bids from Steve Bruce’s side for his services.

Gray then began Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Ipswich on the bench after declaring himself ‘not mentally ready’ to start, before taking the field on 55 minutes, to score the first of Brentford’s two late goals.

However, after the game, Bees boss Marinus Dijkhuizen said: “I think if it happens it’s next week. For Andre, and for us, I hope we don’t have to wait. They know the price and if they pay it then he’s gone.

“Sometimes money talks and every player has a price. I hope not as otherwise we have to look for another striker. I hope he stays, but I don’t know, I am the head coach not the sporting director.”

Bruce also admitted to the Hull Daily Mail that they will test the waters once more this week, with Hatters keeping an interested eye on developments, as they would be due a windfall of around £1m thanks to their sell-on clause believed to be 20 per cent.

The Hull boss added: “We’re still talking. We still haven’t met their valuation but we hope we can.

“He scored again so his price has probably gone up again. It’s well documented we’re keen so let’s hope we can pull something off.”